초록 ▼

The invention described herein pertains generally to a crosslinked plumbing tube which has at least one overmolded end (e.g. nose cone or nut) attached thereto. In one aspect of this invention, the tube is more rigid than the overmolded component while in another aspect of the invention, the tube is

The invention described herein pertains generally to a crosslinked plumbing tube which has at least one overmolded end (e.g. nose cone or nut) attached thereto. In one aspect of this invention, the tube is more rigid than the overmolded component while in another aspect of the invention, the tube is more flexible than the overmolded component. In either embodiment of this invention, the tube provides an all-plastic waterway for a contained liquid or gas to flow through. The degree of flexibility is controlled independently controlling the density of the tube polymer and the overmolding polymer. In one aspect of the invention, the tube and the overmolding polymer are both partially crosslinked to independent first degrees prior to the overmolding process. Subsequent to the overmolding process, the crosslinking is continued to a higher degree for both polymers.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An overmolded tube which comprises:a tube of a first polymer having an inner diameter, an outer diameter and a proximal and a distal end, said first polymer being crosslinked to a first final degree;an overmolded sealing surface region at the proximal end of the tube, sai

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An overmolded tube which comprises:a tube of a first polymer having an inner diameter, an outer diameter and a proximal and a distal end, said first polymer being crosslinked to a first final degree;an overmolded sealing surface region at the proximal end of the tube, said sealing surface region having a hole centrally disposed therethrough and comprised of a second polymer, said second polymer being crosslinked to a second final degree, the first and second final degrees of crosslinking of the first and second polymers being selected independently; anda tube contacting region adjacent the sealing surface region and comprised of said second polymer, said tube contacting region being bonded to said tube.